Press Release from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office
POST FALLS, Idaho – On July 11th, 2024, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Detectives with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) were in the area of Spokane Street and Seltice Way in Post Falls and located Emanuel V. Zavala, who had multiple warrants for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. They attempted to stop Zavala in a gas station parking lot, and as one of the Detectives got out of their vehicle to contact him, Zavala drove towards the Detective, striking the Detective and his vehicle. The Detective was able to lunge out of the way, avoiding serious injury. SIU Detectives then pursued Zavala to a residence nearby on 3rd Avenue near Spokane Street. Zavala ran inside the residence, prompting a standoff.
Kootenai County Deputies, Post Falls Police Officers, and Idaho State Police Troopers responded to the residence and after Zavala refused to exit, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Coeur d’Alene Police Department Joint Agency SWAT Team responded. Zavala ultimately exited the residence and surrendered.
Zavala was booked into jail on several felony charges, including Aggravated Battery on a Peace Officer, Felony Eluding Causing Injury, multiple Sex Offender Registry violation Warrants and multiple Probation Violations. As a precaution, the Detective that was struck by Zavala went to Kootenai Health for examination and was cleared with minor injuries to his leg.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Post Falls Police Department, the Idaho State Police, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, and Idaho State Probation for their quick response and assistance with this incident.
Sheriff Robert B. Norris
By: Lt. Erik Hedlund
